Entry Requirements

New Cops | Do you care enough?

The qualities that make a cop

OK, forget the cop clichés or TV series stereotypes. We’re interested in you and what you could bring to the New Zealand Police, real people managing real situations with empathy and consideration for all involved.

Our organisation has a range of diverse people with different backgrounds, experiences and interests. What unites us is that we’re all are working towards the same goal. We want to make New Zealand the safest country in the World.

We welcome applications from anyone who’s got what it takes

Regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, or faith. We’re also very interested in applicants who understand different languages and cultures. New Zealand’s diversity is growing, so bring your background and values to the job.

You’ve got to have a serious desire to help

Above all else, you’ll want to help people in your community. You’ll need to be able to make tough calls, build community networks, and instil confidence in those around you. You’ll need an ability to understand the communities you serve and be able to identify and examine the problems that lead to trouble.

This role can influence the lives of many. If you decide to push ahead and apply, our constabulary recruitment staff will be looking to see if you have these important qualities:

Outstanding communication skills

Empathy for others

Unwavering loyalty

Commitment

Integrity

Problem-solving abilities

A sense of humour is also pretty important.

You'll need the ability to understand the communities you serve and be able to identify and examine the problems that lead to trouble.

Oh, and don’t worry about your height, as there are no minimum height requirements.

Here are the must-haves:

You must be at least 17 years old to apply and 18 when you start at Police College, there’s no upper age limitYou must be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or have New Zealand permanent residency

You must be able to speak, read, write and listen in English

You must be physically fit

You must have good eyesight (minimum visual standard of 6/12 unaided in each eye, correctable to 6/6 with contact lenses or glasses)